How Long Does a Carrier Furnace Last in Michigan?

Man sitting on his couch wrapped in many layers of coats and blankets.

Your furnace is getting quite a workout this month. 

With temperatures dropping below freezing nearly every day since Jan. 1, Michiganders and their heating systems can’t seem to catch a break with the weather. It has been cold all day and every day with air that can add years to your skin and age your furnace as it works around the clock to keep you warm in Clinton Township. 

If you own a Carrier gas furnace, you know it can meet the challenges of winter weather in Southeastern Michigan, not just for one season but for 15, 20, and even 30 years. 

Carrier is Known for Longevity

If you are thinking about buying a Carrier furnace, our experts at Great Dane can recommend a model with the features and an efficiency rating suited for your home. We service and install most gas furnace makes and models, and, as a Carrier dealer, we specialize in Carrier products. 

Our pros at Great Dane know everything about Carrier heat systems, from gas furnace heat exchangers to multi-speed blowers and everything in between. After countless installations and maintenance calls to homes in Macomb and Oakland counties, we know Carrier gas furnaces live up to their reputation as long-lasting, reliable, and durable.

Factors that Influence Furnace Lifespan

But there is more to longevity than a trustworthy furnace brand. Although Carrier gas furnaces are packed with technology that contributes to a longer lifecycle, other factors, including maintenance, usage patterns, and climate, can influence how long individual units last. Here is a closer look at the factors that impact Carrier furnace lifespan: 

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your furnace. Just like your car needs an oil change, your furnace needs an annual tune-up, which can add years to its life.

During a professional checkup, a technician inspects for performance and safety issues, cleans components, and fixes minor problems before they worsen. We recommend a tune-up in the fall before the heating season begins.

Climate: Michigan winters can be harsh on furnaces. Regular maintenance and cleaning are even more critical to optimizing performance and lifespan in such conditions.

Installation: Proper installation paves the way for long-term performance. Choosing a reputable HVAC contractor for furnace installation ensures the system in your home operates efficiently and safely, preventing premature breakdowns. Furnaces that are too big will short cycle, wearing components. Furnaces that are too small will struggle to heat your home. 

Frequent Use: The more you use your furnace, the more it wears. If your furnace works overtime in our cold Southeastern Michigan winters, consider installing a two-stage or modulating high-efficiency model with a variable-speed blower. These models adjust their output gradually, reducing stress on the system. 

Is it Time to Replace Your Furnace?

Even with scrupulous care, your furnace eventually will reach the end of its useful service life and break down. At that point, the cost of replacing worn parts to revive your unit may not make financial sense. Here are a few signs it is time for an upgrade:

Frequent Repairs: If your aging furnace needs frequent repair, you are spending money needlessly to restore its performance as it loses efficiency. The cost-effective approach is investing the money you would have spent on a new system.  

High Energy Bills: As your furnace ages, it loses efficiency. Operating it as long as possible is a smart strategy for delaying installment costs, but it could cost you more money in rising energy bills. Energy bills that continue to increase even though you have not changed your heating and cooling habits are a red flag telling you to replace your system. 

Noises: Consistent unusual sounds could indicate worn components poised to malfunction. Upgrading to a new unit will quell the noise and save money on repairs. 

Age: No furnace has a definite expiration date. A furnace over 20 years old and still working might last another year or two but is much less efficient than a new, high-efficiency model. Save yourself stress wondering when your old furnace will break down and the money you spend on higher energy bills by installing a new system. 

Make Your Furnace Last Longer

Furnaces of all ages benefit from a few practices that bolster efficiency and longevity. Maintaining efficiency and extending lifespan starts with maintenance. Schedule professional maintenance every year to keep your furnace running smoothly and to identify problems before they cause your system to break down. 

Improve airflow in and around your furnace. Keep the space outside your heating unit free from furniture, storage boxes, and other items, and remove obstructions in front of air vents in your living spaces. Reduce clutter! Use only clean air filters in your HVAC system. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, stressing your furnace and shortening its lifespan. Follow manufacturer instructions on how often you should replace your air filter.

Running your furnace only when you need it prevents unnecessary wear. A smart thermostat can help. It gives you more control over temperature, enabling you to lower your thermostat setting when you are away from home. Wi-Fi capability makes it easy to operate your thermostat from an app downloaded to your smartphone. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says you can save on energy in the winter by setting your thermostat between 68° to 70° Fahrenheit when you are awake at home and dropping it several degrees when you are away from home.

Call the Furnace Specialists

Let Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing help you find the perfect new furnace today. You will appreciate the efficiency and comfort a new heating system will bring to your Clinton Township, home. Call us at 586.786.8873 or request service online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing.

Call us at 586.790.2604!

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